Hyeri returns to big screen with teen cheerleading film ‘Victory’

Actors Hyeri, left, and Park Se-wan pose during a press event for the upcoming film “Victory” at Lotte Cinema Konkuk University in western Seoul, Wednesday. Newsis

Singer-actor Hyeri is set to return to the big screen in August with the teen cheerleading film "Victory.”

Hyeri takes on the role of Pil-sun, a high school student who, after transferring from Seoul to the southeastern island of Geoje, forms a cheerleading club with her friends in 1999.

Best known for her portrayal of a mischievous girl in the 2015 hit drama "Reply 1988," the actor said she initially hesitated about accepting the role because the script was too good.

"The script was incredibly fun. I was so captivated by director Park Bum-soo's screenplay that I initially declined, thinking I couldn't do it. I was more worried about whether I could do justice to the role given how compelling the story was,” she said during a press event for the upcoming movie, scheduled to be released on Aug. 14.

"After meeting with the director, however, my doubts turned into trust. I felt that if I had the opportunity to do this work, I would be happy," Hyeri added.

"Victory" stands out as the first Korean film to focus on cheerleading within a female-centered youth drama, promising a fresh experience for audiences.

According to the director, popular K-pop songs from the 1990s will be heard throughout the film, enhancing the nostalgic feel.

"When I wrote the script for this film, I wrote it with Hyeri in mind as the main character. I thought Hyeri was the only actress who had everything — lots of energy, lovability and the ability to dance," Park said.

A poster for the upcoming film "Victory" / Courtesy of Mindmark

Co-star Park Se-wan, who is also part of the cheerleading team, revealed that she hopes "Victory" will mark a happy closure of her teen drama roles.

"I thought it would be great if 'Victory' would be the last teen drama of my career. Also, I'm a fan of Mnet's 'Street Man Fighter' (a dance survival show) and I was excited about the opportunity to learn dance from the professional dancers," she said.

Lee Jung-ha, who gained attention for his superhero role in the Disney+ series "Moving," plays the school's football club goalkeeper who harbors feelings for Pil-sun.

"As soon as I read the script, I think I immersed myself in the mindset that I had to have a crush on Pil-sun," he said.